Understanding Features of the VR MazeBot – VEX Library

In VEXcode VR, the robot is automatically configured depending on the selected Playground. This eliminates the need for a robot configuration or a predetermined template project. The VEX VR MazeBot has many sensors and other features to help you solve mazes using sensor feedback.

VEXcode VR MazeBot in a virtual maze

VEXcode VR Playground with the MazeBot coding workspace and simulation controls

You can determine which robot is being used on the Playground by looking at the icon on the Playground Selection page. The icon for the VR MazeBot looks like the image here.

Robot Controls and Attributes

The VR MazeBot has the following controls and physical attributes:

A drivetrain with a gyro. This enables the “Drivetrain” category of commands in the toolbox of VEXcode VR.
The turning point of the robot is from the center of the robot. This is also where the Pen is located.

VEXcode VR Playground showing the MazeBot, block-based coding workspace, and maze navigation area

The VR MazeBot's length is 95 mm and width is 117.5 mm.
Compared to the VR Robot, the VR MazeBot's default velocity is twice as high. This additional speed is there to help the robot navigate mazes faster.

The Pen on the VR MazeBot

The Pen on the VR MazeBot has all of the elements of the pen on the VR Robot.

VEXcode VR Playground with the MazeBot, block-based coding workspace, and maze environment.

The Pen on the VR MazeBot can be used to:

Fill an area with color determined using RGB values
Set the color of the Pen using RGB values
Draw lines at five different widths

VEXcode VR Playground interface for programming and testing the MazeBot with block-based code

For more information about the Pen, see this article.

Note: This article references the VR Robot, but this is the same Pen that is used on the VR MazeBot.

Robot Sensors

The VR MazeBot has the following sensors in common with the VR Robot:

Motor Encoders that are 360 degrees per wheel revolution.
A Gyro Sensor that is built into the Drivetrain. Clockwise is positive.

VEXcode VR Playground showing the MazeBot, block-based coding workspace, and controls for running and debugging a project

Location Sensor

VEXcode VR Playground interface for the MazeBot, showing the code workspace, toolbar, and maze view.

The VR MazeBot has a Location Sensor that reads (X,Y) coordinates from the center turning point of the VR Robot. The Location Sensor also reports the location angle which ranges from 0 degrees to 359.9 degrees following a compass heading style.

For more information about the location details of the VEXcode VR Wall Maze+ Playground, see this article.

Distance Sensors

In addition, the VR MazeBot has 3 Distance Sensors. These sensors can detect if there is an object present. If an object is present, the sensor can also detect the distance of an object up to 10,000 mm away.

VEXcode VR Playground interface showing the MazeBot and coding workspace

The three Distance Sensors are placed around the top of the robot.

One facing forward
One facing to the right
One facing to the left

VEXcode VR Playground with the MazeBot and block-based coding workspace for testing robot behavior

The names of the sensors are determined by their position when looking forward from the back of the robot as shown in this image here from the Wall Maze+ Playground. This is important to keep in mind while coding the sensors.

VEXcode VR Playground showing the MazeBot coding workspace with controls for running and debugging the project

Use the Monitor Console to see the data being returned by each sensor. Monitoring values is helpful when planning a project using sensor data to see what is happening in real time as the robot moves through the maze.

For more information about using the Monitor Console, see this article.

Eye Sensor

VEXcode VR interface showing the MazeBot playground, block palette, and coding workspace for programming the robot

An Eye Sensor is also present behind the Front Distance Sensor facing towards the Playground. This is labeled as the 'DownEye.' The image here shows where the DownEye is located on a side view.

The DownEye can be used to detect the red end locations on the Playground.